Page 5 of The Lord Next Door I Wished For
And now Luke’s eyes were narrowing further, his brows coming down in a way that was nearly ominous. But then he said, “I suppose I know who you are too.”
Jane smiled.
He recognized her. Thank goodness.
“I was hoping to find you,” she said.
“You were.” It wasn’t a question, more like an indictment as he studied her features.
His voice was much lower now, she noted, and it had the rumble which no doubt came with the large chest.
“Are you alone?” he cast a look around.
Jane did as well, but all she discovered was that she and Luke were relatively alone but for a few other couples who were lost in their own worlds. And this was…
She swallowed. Oh dear. This would look quite improper if anyone caught them here together and—
“What did you wish to say?” he said.
Nay, he demanded. The hardness in his voice had her head coming up again. But it was the ice in those blue eyes that left her tongue-tied…
Again.
“I…I…” What did she wish to say? Drat. Why hadn’t she thought to rehearse what she’d say ahead of time. “I’m…”
I’m lonely.
I need a friend.
I could use a companion, you see. Preferably one who likes to ride…
The words all died on her tongue under this man’s fierce glower.
And yes, it was now most definitely a glower he fixed upon her. He was looking at her like she was a bug, and the scrutiny and disdain in his gaze were so very familiar it made her insides shrivel up.
He looked just like his father. This was precisely how he used to eye her when he’d come upon her on their lawn.
Luke’s lips twitched with an all-too familiar sneer. “I don’t know who you think you are to address me so informally, miss. But I know your type and what you’re about—”
“Oh, but—”
“Go on home, love. There will be plenty of times to throw yourself in the path of eligible, wealthy men when the Season starts. But a word of advice…”
Jane gaped at him in horror as he leaned down and lowered his voice to a dangerous growl.
“Stay out of my path.”
CHAPTERTWO
It wasn’t guiltthat made Luke’s insides twist like he’d been gutted with a knife. Of course not. This girl was presumptuous, not to mention reckless.
He looked around them for her chaperone. But another glance confirmed what he already knew. There was no one out here but for the couples hoping to find some privacy.
And him.
He supposed he ought to have been prepared for this. It was the same everywhere he’d traveled. He couldn’t seem to escape the fact that he was the heir to a dukedom. His father’s passing had only drawn more attention to Luke’s status, and he’d known it was only a matter of time before he was accosted back here in his home country.
Though, to be fair, he’d expected it from his matchmaking relations and marriage-minded mamas, not…
